What Classifies as Daily Physical Activity (DPA)?

Moderate to Vigorous activity that:

• Is coordinated (i.e.: intramurals at lunch/recess, assemblies with five minutes of facilitated activity by teachers or students)
• “body or brain breaks” during class time
• Does not include Physical Education (must be over and above PE class time)
• Involves the majority of students

Why is Daily Physical Activity Important?

Student Benefits:

• Helps to develop positive lifestyle habits that lead to healthy and active lives
• Increases self-esteem
• Helps students to handle stress
• Builds and maintains healthy muscles and joints
• Helps achieve and maintain healthy body weight
• Creates a positive and enjoyable learning environment

Classroom & School Benefits:

• Assists with classroom management
• Increases punctuality and attendance
• Keeps students excited and motivated to learn
• Enhances concentration and academic achievement
• Enhances the future health and well-being of children and youth

Source: Saskatchewan in motion DPA manual 2012

Last Updated: April 30, 2015 at 8:54 am